Mardi Bras VA

In the fall of 2014, Marti spoke to her friend Maria, who was challenged financially with purchasing some feminine products, because of the costs associated with these items. Maria had once been homeless and was now on a restricted income. Maria taught Marti a lot about the needs of women who were homeless or on a low or restricted income. Marti learned that these basic necessities weren’t covered by any government assistance or food banks. Non-profits were in desperate need.

So, she decided to do something about it – by inviting a few friends to join her at a Mardi Gras gathering called Mardi Bras RVA… for food, fellowship and an opportunity to learn about the plight of these women and to help by bringing donations. Marti’s friends joined right in and invited their friends, who invited their friends and the next thing you know a POD was donated to collect all of the donated items and countless people gave via book studies, mother daughter lunches, Bible studies, collection drives at work, and more! Nearly 200 people joined Marti at her home for food and fellowship – an opportunity to learn more from some local nonprofits.